Former NFL cornerback and Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler faces charges for alleged drunk driving after his arrest in North Providence, Rhode Island. Butler, known for his key interception in Super Bowl XLIX, was apprehended on March 16 when police found his car blocking traffic.
Butler reportedly told cops to "just take me to jail" during the incident after refusing field sobriety tests, according to a police report by North Providence Police. CBS Boston reported Butler was also sweating heavily and had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. The report noted a "strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath."
The 34-year-old, who announced his retirement earlier this month, refused a breathalyzer test at the police station. Butler was charged with driving under the influence, and his vehicle was towed. NBC Boston detailed that Butler is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to face the DUI charge, which is a misdemeanor, along with two other violations.
Butler's attorney, former Rhode Island House Speaker John Harwood, has contested the charges, asserting that Butler's rights were violated. "I think when they stopped him he wasn't driving," Harwood told CBS Boston. "He was off the road, and that he wasn't driving tells me at least he was being responsible."
After a decorated NFL career, including two Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots, Butler's off-field incident comes as a surprise to fans. Once undrafted, he climbed to prominence after his clutch performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Butler's last stint in the NFL was with the Patriots, but he was released during the summer due to injury after a brief comeback attempt.
